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Home , Coll, Gunna, Skerryvore, Tiree, Treshnish Isles

VOL. LI FEBRUARY No. 2 1958

BRITISH BIRDS

THE BIRDS OF AND By J. MORTON BOYD (Department of Zoology, Glasgow University*) (Plates 18-20) THE of Tiree and Coll, Inner , lie totally within the vice-county Mid Ebudes (103). Situated between Mull and the Isles, they stretch some 45 miles S.W. into the ocean from , the most westerly headland of the Scottish main­ land. Their geographical position, and separate scale maps of each, are shown in Figs. 1, 2 and 3. This work is concerned with records of all species of bird observed, from the earliest literature to the present day, not only on Tiree and Coll, but also on all islands and rocks between and including Eilein Mor, N.E. of Coll, and , S.W. of Tiree. The islands are a low undulating platform of Lewisian masked extensively by material and wind-blown sand. The sand deposits are particularly widespread in Tiree and S.W. Coll, but in N.W. Coll there are considerable tracts of bare rock. The terrain rises to its highest point (460 feet) in Ben Hynish, Tiree. The principal ecological divisions of the islands are: (i) an intertidal zone, including extensive beaches of shell-sand inter­ spaced with rocky shores trenched by eroded dykes, and fringed with ; (ii) grazed sand-dune systems landward to the shore sand, and moorland altered by salt-spray landward to the rocky shores (the only substantial sea-cliffs are at Ceann a'Mhara, Tiree); (iii) or sea-meadow, and cultivated calcareous grassland covering wide tracts of Tiree and S.W. Coll; (iv) grazed moorland of mixed grasses, sedges and heather, covering central areas of both islands; (v) lightly grazed heather moorland, covering parts of the interior of Coll; (vi) fresh-water lochs, streams, ditches and marshes form a web over all other ecological zones from the alkaline to the acid ground, and give rise to small brackish estuaries. The beaches, dunes, machair and cultivation, moorland, *Now Nature Conservancy, .

41 42 BRITISH BIRDS [VOL. LI lochs and ditches are all well brought out in the aerial photographs on plates 18-20. With the exception of a few small plantations of deciduous trees in Coll, and a few trees growing in the lee of -houses in Tiree, the islands are almost treeless. Whin and bramble thickets grow locally and provide good cover for birds. The islands are dominated by a S.W. air stream, moist, warm, and with high winds. Gusts of 108 m.p.h. have been recorded. The

FIG. I—MAP TO SHOW POSITIONS OF COLL AND TIREE IN RELATION TO BARRA, MULL, AND ARDNAMURCHAN ON THE SCOTTISH MAINLAND temperature range is some 3 degrees Fahrenheit less than the Scottish West Highlands, and 6 degrees Fahrenheit less than the Scottish mainland generally. Snow seldom lies more than a few days in the year, and the soil remains open practically all winter. Hours of sunshine are somewhat similar to those of southern England; in May 1948 Tiree had an average of 10.6 hours of sunshine daily. Outstanding features of the fauna (particularly related to the ecology of the avifauna) are: (i) the abundance of snails, bivalves VOL. LI] THE BIRDS OF TIREE AND COLL 43 and slugs in the calcareous fresh waters and grasslands; (ii) the aggregation °f Ay larvae, ants, beetles and earthworms in cow- pats on all grasslands and moorlands; (iii) the presence of Rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) in Coll, and their absence in Tiree (see notes on the Buzzard and compare plates 18 and 19); (iv) the presence of the Hare (Lepus europaeus), the Long-tailed Field Mouse (Apodemus sylvaticus), the Brown Rat (Rattus norvegicus)

FIG. 2—MAP OF THE ISLE OF COLL TO SHOW PRINCIPAL PLACE-NAMES AND THB POSITIONS OF ElLEIN MoR AND (cf. Fig. 3) and the Pygmy Shrew (Sorex tninutus); (v) the presence of the Brown Trout (Salmo trutta) and the Three-spined Stickleback (Gasterosteus aculeatus) in fresh waters, and the absence of amphibians and reptiles. The agricultural system in Coll is farming (the major farms are named in Fig. 2), while in Tiree it is (the crofting town­ ships are named in Fig. 3). According to the West Survey (Darling et al., 1955), in 1951 the human population in Coll was 200, and that of Tiree 1,200. Casual mention of the avifauna of these islands is made in the Statistical Account of (1791-1799), but the first comprehensive record appears in A Vertebrate Fauna of and the (1892), by J. A. Harvie-Brown and T. E. Buckley. This volume stimulated interest, and in 1898 44 BRITISH BIRDS [VOL. LI

P. Anderson, the game-keeper of Tiree at that time, published the first separate list of the birds of Tiree, to be followed in 1899 by a supplementary list for both Tiree and Coll, by Lieut.-Col. L. H. Irby. Reports of movements and occurrences of birds in Scotland in 1897 and 1898 (Laidlaw, 1898 and 1899) include information from Tiree and the Skerryvore, and a separate list later appeared for Skerryvore (Tomison, 1907). In 1913

Fio 3—MAP OF THE ISLE OF TIREE TO SHOW PRINCIPAL PLACE-NAMES AND THE POSITION OF GUNNA (cf. Fig. 2)

Anderson published his second list for Tiree summarizing over 25 years' observations on that . Thereafter no lists were published for Tiree, and none for the area till Miss MacDougall's list for Coll in 1938. Miss Baxter and Miss Rintoul, in The Birds of Scotland (1953), brought together much information on Tiree and Coll based mostly on the out-dated literature, and a great deal of this is now supplemented by information acquired mainly in the last 10 years from numerous reliable observers. From time to time since 1892, short notes on the birds of the area have appeared in the Annals of Scottish Natural History and the Scottish Naturalist. The author desires to make the following acknowledgements with thanks. His Grace the Duke of Argyll kindly gave access to the game-record of the Tiree Estate. Lists for Tiree were supplied by H. A. Course, James Fisher, D. Gardner-Medwin, J. Graham, N. Hopkins, N. Mclntyre, J. Murray (Edinburgh VOL. LI] THE BIRDS OF TIREE AND COLL 45

Academy Party, 1954), C. F. Priestley, W. C, Taunton, Iolo Williams, and J. T. D. Wilson. Lists for Coll were supplied by A. G. S. Bryson, W, P. Colyer-Fergusson, J. R. Furse, Miss M. Henderson, C. K. M. Stewart, and A. A. K. Whitehouse. Short notes were supplied by W. K. Richmond and L. A. Urquhart. R. Roddam assisted in recent sea-bird counts. Mrs. W. I. Boyd assisted both in the field and in sifting the literature. Dr. J. W. Campbell kindly sent information originally lodged with the Editors of the Scottish Naturalist. Requests for information, all of which brought response, were published in Bird Study, the Edinburgh Bird Bidletin, and the Glasgow and West of Scotland Bird Bulletin. The notes of the author have been made from some 25 visits to Tiree at all seasons, 1 to Coll in summer, 1 to Skerryvore in summer, and 3 to Gunna, summer, autumn and winter, in the period from June 1952 to June 1957. Many of those visits were made in connection with ecological research in Hebridean soils assisted by a grant from the Nature Conservancy, which made possible countless casual observations on birds.

SPECIFIC LIST In this list frequent reference is made to the published works on the birds of Tiree and Coll, particularly those which appeared in 1892, 1898, 1899 and 1913 (see pages 43-44). Since many of the remarks in these publications refer not only to those particular years, but also to the ones preceding them, these dates are placed in brackets in such cases. For each species the treatment follows the same plan: a short phrase summing up the seasons when it is present; a review of the breeding records, from Tiree, Coll and the other islands separately; and, lastly, a similar review of the status during the rest of the year, again with separate treatment where this is needed. BLACK-THROATED DIVER (Gavia arctica).—Present all year. Bred in Coll 1899, but no breeding record from Tiree. Mature birds seen regularly April to July off both islands 1954-55, but no recent breeding record or report from fresh waters. GREAT NORTHERN DIVER (Gavia immer).—August to May. No breeding record. Seen off-shore since September 1888 ; November to April 1903-06 at Skerryvore ; similarly 1952-55 off Tiree and Coll. No report from fresh waters. RED-THROATED DIVER (Gavia stellaia).—Present all year. Bred in Coll before 1899 ; bred there 1937-38 ; 8 pairs with young July 1939 ; present August 1945 ; June 1946, 1949 ; May 1954 ; April, June 1955 ; increasing 1956 (W.P.C.-F.). No breeding record from Tiree, and has only twice been reported from fresh waters. Seen off Tiree, September 1956. GREAT CRESTED GREBE (Podiceps cristatus).—January to June. No breeding record. Seen in Tiree January 1891 ; 2 pairs in breeding plumage 22nd May 1900 ; 1 pair May-June 1952. No record from Coll. RED-NECKED GREBE (Podiceps gfheigena).—Spring. Reported from Tiree as common and not breeding (J.T.D.W.). No record from Coll. 46 BRITISH BIRDS [VOL. LI

SLAVONIAN GREBE (Podiceps auritus).—October to April. No breeding record. One shot in Tiree 7th November 1888 ; seen there 29th October 1898 ; common there (1913) ; seen Soa Sound 7th April 1954. No record from Coll. LITTLE GREBE (Podiceps ruficollis).—Present all year. Bred in Tiree 1865 (Gray, 1871), 1913, 1950, but reported as common in winter and spring on fresh waters and the sea. Breeding not proved in Coll, but 1 pair was seen twice in June 1938, and at Loch Ballyhogh and Loch Callum in July 1939. LEACH'S PETREL (Oceanodroma leucorrhoa).—Autumn. Reported from Tiree October 1891 and 1953, after gales. STORM PETREL (Hydrobates pelagicus).—Summer and autumn. A visitor to the sea area since before 1892, but no conclusive evidence of breeding. Fairly common off Ceann a' Mhara in daylight ; 1 dead in Tiree September 1889 ; another January 1901; at Skerryvore August/September 1903-06, and again July 1955. The presence of Brown Rats (Rattus norvegicus) in Gunna, Coll, and at Ceann a' Mhara is probably a deterrent to breeding. MANX SHEARWATER (Procellaria puffinus).—April to September. A visitor to the sea area since before 1892 when they were said to be decreasing. No conclusive evidence of breeding, though some suitable burrows have been found at Ceann a' Mhara. Numerous in spring and summer at Skerryvore 1903-06, and have been particularly so in recent years off the east of both islands. GREAT SHEARWATER (Procellaria gravis).—Autumn. One dead in Tiree October 1891 ; 2 off-shore there August 1919 ; and another found dead October 1951. None reported from Coll. SOOTY SHEARWATER (Procellaria grisea).—Only record is of two off-shore Tiree May 1948 (C.F.P.). FULMAR (Fulmarus glacialis).—April to September. Breeding at Ceann a' Mhara. None 1912 or 1913 ; about 6 present 1925, but left during the breed­ ing-season ; 6 nests 1929 ; 30 nests 1933 ; 74 pairs July 1942 ; 185 occupied nests May-July 1944 ; no nests with another 20 pairs present mid-June 1946 ; 171 pairs and 160 eggs in late June 1947 (J.F. and others) ; 200-300 pairs early June 1949 ; 300 birds May-June 1952 ; 650 birds early April 1954 ; 250 birds late April and mid-June, 193 pairs in early July, and 160 young with no brooding adults in late July 1955 (J.M.B. and others). No record from Coll. GANNET (Sula bassana).—Present all year. Not breeding. More common in sea area in summer than in winter. MAGNIFICENT FRIGATE-BIRD (Fregata magnificens).—A bird of the Caribbean race (F. m. rothschildi) found exhaused in Tiree 9th July 1953 (J.G. ; antea, vol. xlvii, pp. 58-59 ; and Stephen, 1953). CORMORANT (Phalacrocorax carbo).—Present all year. Baxter and Rintoul (1953) say that it breeds in small numbers in Tiree, but although pairs of birds have been seen off-shore from June to August breeding has not been proved. At Skerryvore 1903-06 August till February, but not in breeding-season. In Coll, 20 roosted in May 1937 ; one or two off-shore July and August 1939, and late April 1955 ; 1 in June 1955. In Tiree, present June 1949 ; a few pairs June and July 1952; single birds April 1954; single birds March, April and June 1955. SHAG (Phalacrocorax aristotelis).—Present all year. Has bred at Ceann a' Mhara since before 1898 ; bred 1912 and 1913 ; 30 birds there late July 1942 ; at least 25 nesting May 1952 ; eggs seen April 1954 ; at least 12 birds with eggs and young June and July 1955. It is reported to have nested near the Sound of Gunna (N. Mel.). No breeding record is available for Coll. Irby (1899) fails to mention its presence in the area, but all observers since have reported it as numerous around the , being seen ashore on the steeper S.E. side. Flies through the Sound of Gunna in winter in large numbers to and from roosts in the . At least 415 entered the sound flying east in 15 minutes before sunset in mid-December 1955. VOL. u] THE BIRDS OF TIREE AND COLL 47

HERON (Ardea cinerea).—Present all year. Bred , Coll, before 1899 ; 2 pairs bred there in 1929 ; seen and said to have bred July 1939 ; similarly August 1945 ; present June 1946, and 1949 ; courtship reported late April 1955 with possible nesting-site at Blackhill Lochs ; 2 seen June 1955. No breeding record from Tiree, but seen there May 1952, and April 1954 ; 1 seen gth-i2th July 1955. Common autumn to spring, usually as single birds, both inland and on rocky shores. Seen on passage at Skerryvore August 1903-06. GLOSSY IBIS (Plegadis jalcinellus).—One reported 21st February 1901 (Robinson, 1914). MALLARD (Anas platyrhynchos).—Present all year. Recorded as breeding plentifully, beginning usually in late March, in both islands before 1899. Reported as abundant in Tiree (1913), nesting all over the island ; spring and summer observers there 1949-55 report small numbers, common, and fair numbers. In Coll 1937-55 breeding-season reports have been "plentiful", "common", and "fairly evenly distributed". Distinctly more numerous in winter, being mainly marine and flighting to fresh waters at high tide, flocks usually up to 20. Scarce in both islands 1956. TEAL (Anas crecca.).—Present all year. Bred in both islands before 1899. Bred all over Tiree (1913), beginning in late April ; a few breeding pairs, single birds and nests May to August 1952-55, though Baxter and Rintoul record it as nesting numerously all over Tiree in 1950. In Coll, 2 pairs were reported May 1937 ; only 3 seen July and August 1939 ; seen occasionally August 1945; a few May 1954; flocks and a pair late April 1955, and one June 1955. Flocks usually up to 50 strong are present in the rocky weedy bays and on the major lochs of Tiree, September to April. GADWALL (Anas strepera).—Present all year. Only evidence of breeding is 2 adults with 10 fledged young, late August 1913, and a duck with 3 unfledged young in late July 1955 (J.M.B., W.I.B.). Between 1870 and 1900 Gadwalls were numerous in Tiree in winter, flocking on the sea, probably in the fashion of Teal and Wigeon at the present day. The species used to arrive (Anderson, 1913) at the end of harvest time and stay till late spring ; in 1913 it was still common winter and spring ; subsequently it has become scarce and is not included in the list of common wildfowl (J.G.). The only other recent records are "numerous" on Loch a' Phuill, January 1949, and odd birds seen at 5 different sites on 4 different days, early April 1954. No record from Coll. WIGEON (Anas penelope).—September to April. Bred in Coll 1892; 2 drakes seen there May 1937 ; 1 duck June 1938. In 1913 an odd bird was known to remain over the summer in Tiree, thought to be wounded, but none has been reported subsequently in summer. Has always been numerous in winter, more so in some than in others, since before 1892. Flocks, which seldom exceed 50 birds, at present frequent the rocky shore inlets and fresh waters in Tiree. PINTAIL (Anas acuta).—Present all year. Bred in Tiree 1951 (Bennett, 1952), and may have bred 1938, a female in down feathers having been sent to the British Museum ; ducks reported there June 1952 and July 1955. Has occurred in winter and spring in small numbers since 1879 ; occurred sparingly on migration in Tiree, 1898 ; in small parties during the winter there, 1913 ; 1 pair seen February 1953 ; small flocks, largest numbers .together 7, early April 1954 ; 1 pair seen mid-January 1956. No record from Coll. SHOVELER (Spatula ciypeata).—Present all year. Young shot in Tiree 1887 ; a few pairs bred (1898) ; increasing as a breeding species (1913) ; a pair in Tiree and another in Gunna, June 1949 ; several seen May-June 1952 ; small flocks, largest number together 6, and pairs, April 1954 ; at least 20 young birds seen July 1955; nesting proved in recent years beside Loch Garradh a' Chapuill, Tiree. The only record from Coll is 2 drakes 10th May 1937. Occurs in small flocks, usually less than 6 strong, September to April. Anderson (1913) says that in about 25 years of observation in Tiree he has not noticed 48 BRITISH BIRDS [VOL. LI

this species on the shore, but it is reported from the weedy shore inlets, April 1954, November 1954, February 1955. SCAUP (Aythya mania).—September to spring. No breeding record, but a newly fledged duckling was seen in Tiree in August (Anderson, 1913). A large flock was seen in Tiree, June 1891, and before 1887 the species wintered in considerable numbers there ; common in winter (1898 and 1913), with migration from September to November ; no recent definite records are available, and in the course of numerous visits to Tiree, autumn to spring, the author has seen none. No record from Coll. TUFTED DUCK (Aythya fuligula).—September to June, perhaps all year. A few pairs bred in Tiree (1892 and 1898); then breeding discontinued (1913) ; 1 pair and a drake with 2 ducks seen in west Tiree on different occasions, June 1946-52 (N.Mc.L, H.A.C.); a duck with 2 ducklings Loch a'Chlair June •957 (J-M.B., Donald Watson). A regular winter visitor since before 1892 to both Tiree and Coll ; common (1898 and 1913) ; common 1953-55, flocks not usually exceeding 70 birds, frequenting both sea and fresh waters. POCHARD (Aythya ferina).—Winter, Harvie-Brown and Buckley (1892) report 2 drakes seen in Tiree 12th June 1891 ; a few pairs bred up to 1898, but probably discontinued by 1913; one drake Loch Bhasapoll June 1957. A small flock was reported 12th November 1887 ; numerous in winter, 1898 ; fairly numerous 1913 ; only recent records are 1 drake December 1953, and another early April 1954- No record from C611. GOLDENEYE (Bucephala clangula).—October to April. No breeding record. Common in winter (1892, 1898, and 1913) ; small flocks usually less than 20 strong November to April 1952-56. Anderson (1913) reports only single birds on both sea and fresh waters, most numerous January and February. LONG-TAILED DUCK (Clangula hyemalis).—October to April. No breeding record. Reported as common or very common 1892-1913 ; common, more so off the N.W. coasts than the S.E., October-April 1952-56. Seen on fresh waters (1913), but not recently. The usual flock size in 1913 was about 6, while during 1952-56 as many as 30 have been seen together, the usual flock size being about 12 birds. Anderson (1913) also says that the birds disappear about the end of March ; common in N.W. bays Tiree, 9th April 1954 ; 2 flocks, about 30 birds in each, were seen in separate bays in Coll, 21st April 1955- COMMON SCOTER (Melanitta nigra).—Present all year. Bred in Tiree m 1897, and probably before then, a duck in down plumage having been reported 22nd August 1889. One seen in Sound of Gunna August 1945 ; present Tiree, August 1954. Common off Tiree 1857 ; seen there May 1889 ; fairly common but never numerous (1898) ; not at all numerous (1913). Baxter and Rintoul (1953) record the species as common, having increased and become abundant, flocks lingering far into the summer. Only 3 of the 11 available lists for the period 1945-55, April to August, mention its presence. Off Tiree 3 birds were seen February 1954, and groups of up to 10 in September 1956. No recent winter record from Coll. EIDER (Somateria mollis•sima).-—Present all year. Bred in Tiree and Coll before 1871 ; common breeding (1892) ; abundant (1898 and 1913) ; common breeding 1937-39, and again 1945-55. During the breeding-season large flocks mainly composed of drakes occur off-shore. Bred in Gunna, 1949, when 5 nests were found. Numerous in winter especially off the N.W. coasts and in the Sound of Gunna, flocks of up to 50 birds being common. Has not been reported from fresh waters in Tiree, but was found at lochs in Coll 1937-38. RED-BREASTED MERGANSER (Mergus senator).—Present all year. Bred in Tiree before 1871, and in Coll before 1899 ; abundant (1913) ; reported as plentiful from both islands 1937-55, May to August, pairs and young having been seen. Breeds inland sometimes well away from water, and flocks of probably up to 200 occur on the sea during late summer. A flock about 150 strong was present in Gott Bay, Tiree, July 1955, composed mostly of immature VOL. LI] THE BIRDS OF TIREE AND COLL 49

birds. Small flocks occur off-shore, September to March, and groups of. 1-3 birds on fresh waters. GOOSANDER (Mergus merganser).—Ho recent record, but Anderson reported it as seen at all seasons (Harvie-Brown and Buckley, 1892). By i8}8 and 1913 the species had become scarce. There is no breeding record, nor any record since 1913. No record from Coll. SMEW (Mergus albellus).—Anderson (1898) reported it as common autumn to spring in the sea but never in fresh waters. They were especially common in Gott Bay. Reported 7th September 1897, 30th July and 14th November 1898 and 16th January 1901. No recent record, Tiree; no record from Coll. SHELDUCK (Tadorna tadorna).—Present all year. Numerous in Tiree and Coll before 1871 ; bred in both islands (1899) ; common but not abundant in Tiree (1913). Fair numbers bred in Tiree 1949-55. nests, pairs and families seen April to August. In Coll it was a common breeding species 1937-38 ; 1 family only, July and August 1939 ; 2 pairs almost certainly with nests June 1946 ; pairs in every bay late April 1955 ; 1 pair off shore, and 1 bird in sand-dunes, June 1955. One pair was seen in Gunna, early June 1949. Nests have been found about 1 mile from the shore. Pairs and groups of 3-6 winter on the shore, and are especially numerous at Clachan Bay, Tiree, where at least a dozen were present in several small parties, winter 1954-55. GREY LAG GOOSE (Anser anser).—Has been reported at all seasons, but mainly in winter. In 1932 H. W. Robinson wrote that he was informed of breeding both in Tiree and Coll many years before that date, and in 1954 N. Mclntyre stated that it once nested unsuccessfully in Tiree "a number of years ago". In Tiree single birds were seen at 2 different sites May to July 1952, and it was present August 1954; 17 present in mid-summer and in September 1956. In Coll a pair bred 1937-38 (Macdougall, 1938); 2 or 3 pairs said to have bred since 1935, but not seen 1939 (A.G.S.B.) ; 2 seen August 1945 ; flocks of 25 and 5, 1 pair, and a single bird, late April 1955 ; 17 in August 1956, with probably 2 breeding pairs (W.P.C.-F.). A rare passage migrant in Tiree (1892) ; "occurs occasionally in winter, but does not stay long" (1898); reported sparingly on migration with a few in winter (1913); 2 flocks of 10 and 12 seen January 1949 ; 32 seen February 1951 ; two flocks of 12 (possibly the same flock seen twice) present late December 1952 ; 31 early March 1953 ; 7 in January 1954 ; 11 on 25th February 1955. A recent winter increase has occurred in Coll ; 40 have appeared regularly, and as many as 90 have been seen, 1955-56. WHITE-FRONTED GOOSE (Anser albifrons).—October to May. Not breeding. It was the exception to see this species in Tiree (1892) ; reported there 8th- 11 th May and 15th October 1897 ; common (1898) ; 400-500 wintered regularly about 1913; probably not more than 250 were present October to April 1952-56, flocks usually over 50 and less than 150 strong. Irby (1899) said the species was more common in Tiree than Coll, but the only recent winter record available from Coll for comparison is of 13 seen on the south end on 7th February 1953. All the birds are probably of the Greenland race (A. a. flavirostris), arriving from and departing to the N.W. BRENT GOOSE (Branta bernicla).—Winter. Rare in Tiree (1892); occurred sparingly during hard frost (1898); seen late October 1909 ; a flock of 14 seen during frost in early February 1912 ; 1 seen autumn 1949 ; a pair, thought to be of the Dark-breasted race (JB. b. bernicla), November 1955 in mild weather. No record from Coll. BARNACLE GOOSE (Branta leucopsis).—November to May. Baxter and Rintoul (1953) say that it has been the dominant species of goose in Coll for the past 50 years, outnumbering the grey species by 5 to 1 ; though abundant in Coll, not so in Tiree in 1892 and 1899 ; small flocks of about 12 birds in Tiree (1898) ; small flocks there 1913 ; flocks of 350-400 seen in Tiree January 1948 and March 1950 ; 250-350 February 1951 ; 250-300 December 1952, 50 BRITISH BIRDS [VOL. LI

February 1953, October-March 1954-55 ; I2 were seen on 59th May 1956. In Coll, 120 were seen February 1953 ; 200-300 in late April 1954. In Gunna, 35 were seen February 1953 ; 150 mid-November 1955. In recent years probably less than 350 have wintered regularly in Tiree and Coll. These are concentrated in Gunna, roosting there and ranging the N.W. shores usually as far as Balephetrish, Tiree, and Arnabost, Coll. Flocks also frequent Breachacha and Soa. In spring the resident fiock is sometimes augmented by migrants, probably raising numbers to over 400 occasionally. CANADA GOOSE (Branta canadensis).—One shot in Tiree (Anderson, 1913). MUTE SWAN (Cygnus olor).—Present all year. First bred in Tiree 1909 ; at least 1 or 2 pairs bred there 1949, 1950, 1952, 1954-56 and probably in intervening years. Bred in Coll (Baxter and Rintoul, 1953); 2 pairs present there 1937 ; 1 pair 1938 ; 1 pair July and August 1939 ; "numbers" August 1945, June 1946 and 1949 ; none May 1954, April 1955, June 1955. A single straggler was reported from Tiree 1898, but none from Coll before 1899 ; 17 seen Tiree 1908 ; 75 there 1911 ; during 1952-56, 50-100 birds probably summered in the islands, with 10-20 wintering. WHOOPER SWAN (Cygnus cygnus).—Present all year. No breeding record, but a few mature birds have been reported summering in Tiree, June 1947-50, June and July 1952, mid-May 1954, June and July 1955. "Wild swans" recorded from Tiree and Coll 1794; increased in Tiree from 12, 1886, to about 200, 1898, in winter ; considerable but varying numbers there about 1913, arriving usually in late October with numbers increasing till late November ; about 40 present early April 1954 ; common in winter 1952-55, usually more than 100 frequenting the fresh waters and marshy meadows. Five birds reported from Coll late April 1955, and the species probably winters there in small numbers. BEWICK'S SWAN (Cygnus columbianus bewickii).—Winter and spring. No breeding record. Tiree was perhaps this bird's principal settling ground in Argyll and the Inner Hebrides (1892); increasing (1898); arriving usually in November, as many as 200 were recorded at Loch an Eilein, Tiree, in 1897 ; "crowds" November 1908 ; numerous (1913) ; seems to have remained fairly numerous in Tiree in winter till the 1939-45 war; only recent record is of 3 in Tiree, April 1954. BUZZARD (Buteo buteo).—Present all year. Bred in Coll 1938 (Macdougall, J938); young seen there 1945-49, Bred in Tiree 1950 (Baxter and Rintoul, 1953)' AH recent summer observers in both islands mention the presence of the species there and also in Gunna and Soa off Tiree. No mention in lists for 1898, 1899, and 1913, but increased as a breeding and wintering species 1938-54. No rabbits have been present in Tiree for the last 100 years and perhaps not at all, but in Coll the advent of myxomatosis has killed off most of the rabbits there since 1954, though in November 1956 they were again on the increase. In Coll in 1956 the Buzzard population was approximately half of what it was in 1954, and they were seen to prey on young duck and small birds. There is a record of an attack on domesticated puppies and Buzzards were also seen in pursuit of Teal, like falcons (W.P.C.-F.). Probably less than 10 pairs now breed in the area, most of them unsuccessfully due to human interference. Breeding proved in Tiree, May 1956. Common in winter, usually singly, 1952-56 ; 6 seen together in Tiree, April 1954 ; 3 seen together there, January 1955 ; found feeding there on a Lapwing (killed by car), a hare (probably shot) and an immature Herring Gull in mid-winter 1955-56. HEN HARRIER (Circus cyaneus).—Winter. Was observed in Coll before 1899, and in Tiree November 1955. PEREGRINE (Falco peregrinus).—Present all year. In 1343, falcons' eyries were present in Coll and Tiree (Baxter and Rintoul, 1953), and the bird bred in both islands (1899). It bred annually at Ceann a' Mhara, Tiree, 1900-13, and it has bred there occasionally since (N.McL, J.T.D.W.); one seen in Tiree VOL. LI] THE BIRDS OF TIREE AND COLL 51 late May 1952 and mid-July 1955. None seen in Coll summer 1937-38 ; seen there twice in July and August 1939 ; 1 reported 18th April 1955. One at Skerryvore 26th September 1903 ; and odd birds seen from September to February 1948-56, in Tiree. GREENLAND FALCON (Falco rusticolus candicans}.—One seen 6th February 1901 (H. W. Robinson, 1914). MERLIN (Falco columbarius).—Present all year. Bred in both islands before 1899. Bred in Tiree (1913), 1930 and probably 1954. Bred in Coll 1937, and probably 1954-55. Very numerous following immigration of thrushes in autumn 1898 ; common except in summer, but never entirely absent from Tiree, 1913 ; common September to April, 1952-56. KESTREL (Falco tinnunculus).—April to February, possibly all year. Bied in both islands before 1899; not at all common in Tiree (1913); but seen there June 1952 and July 1955. Reported from Coll in July 1939, August 1945 and June 1946. Seen in both islands April 1954-55, and in Tiree from November to February 1948-55, and September 1956. RED GROUSE (Lagopus lagopus scoticus).—Present all year. Bred Coll before 1899 and during 1937-39; nearly wiped out by heath fires 1939-45; heard 1945-46, but not 1949. Not reported from Coll by 3 different observers at different times, April to June, 1954-55. About 20, mostly old birds, remained in 1956 (W.P.C.-F.). No record from Tiree. PARTRIDGE (Perdix perdix).—Both Engish and Hungarian Partridges were introduced into Tiree, and bred there as early as 1891, but were extinct by 1912. Reintroduced into Tiree in 1935, the species was again extinct by 1939. Bred in Coll before 1899 > bred there, and bags of 200-300 obtained, 1937-39 ; a covey seen August 1945 ; not reported 1954-55 ; none 1956 (W.P.C.-F.). QUAIL (Coturnix cottimix).—One seen in Tiree before 1898, and another there early July 1955 (W.K.R., R.R., J.M.B., W.I.B.). No breeding record. No record from Coll. PHEASANT (Phasianus colchicus).—Present all year. Introduced in 1935 into Tiree, where nests have been reported. Heavily shot during 1939-45 war, but still survives. The game-record of the Tiree Estate records 58 shot between August 1946 and February 1955, and 8 were killed in a shoot in November 1955. Introduced into Coll 1937-38, but not recorded by subsequent observers. Perhaps 1 left, November 1956 (W.P.C.-F.). WATER RAIL (Rallus aquaticus).—Winter. Recorded in 1898 as fairly numerous in winter in Tiree ; and a few used to remain there to breed (1913)- One recorded November 1897 ; and another November 1954. SORA RAIL (Porzana Carolina).—On 25th October 1901 a young male was shot in west Tiree. No other record. CORNCRAKE (Crex crex).—May to September. Has been numerous in Tiree since 1794. Observers in Tiree in 1892, 1898, 1912, 1913 and 1949-55 report it as an abundant, common, or fairly common breeding species. Bred in Coll before 1899 ; 12 pairs estimated 1937 ; one found dead 1939 ; bred 1945, 1946, 1949 ; present 1954-55. Seen on passage at Skerryvore on 21st May 1898, 14th September 1904 and 12th September 1906. MOORHEN (Gallinula chloropus).—Present all year. Bred in Tiree and Coll before 1899. Bred in Tiree (1913) ; 2 seen skulking June 1952 ; 6 seen early April 1954. In Coll a few were seen in summer during 1937-39, but none have been reported in 3 lists, April to June, 1954-55- Winters in small numbers, 1 or 2 being seen in Tiree on 4 occasions, December to February, 1948-55. COOT (Fulica atra).—-Present all year. Bred abundantly in Tiree (1898) ; common (1913) ; 4 adults and 7 young seen June 1949 ; 3 seen 28th May 1952 ; seen July 1952, at same site ; 9 seen early April 1954 ; at least 2 pairs 52 BRITISH BIRDS [VOL. LI

seen July 1955. Bred in Coll before 1899 j 3 pairs present 1937-39 ; bred '945-49 »' 1 seen late April 1955 ; and 2 in June 1955. Present usually singly or up to 3 birds together, October to March, 1954-56, in Tiree. OYSTERCATCHER (Haematopus ostralegus).—Present all year. Bred in Tiree and Coll before 1899. In Tiree it nested all round the coast (1913); very common, breeding on coast, machair and moor in June 1949 and 1952, May 1954, June and July 1955. In Coll the species was plentiful May and June 1937-38 ; present there July and August 1939 ; bred 1945-49 ; several pairs seen mid- May 1954 ; widespread on coasts and inland late April 1955 ; about 20 seen early June 1955. Bred in Gunna in 1949 and 1954. It was resident in Tiree (1898) ; resident there (1913), but more numerous in winter ; Baxter and Rintoul (1953) say "almost entirely summer visitors to the Western and "; common on shore, 20 seen together, early April 1954 ! small flocks, usually not more than 8 birds together, seen in Tiree, October to March, 1953-56, increasing rapidly in numbers March to May. Seen on shore and machair in winter, but not usually on moorland. LAPWING (Vanellus vanellus).—Present all year. Bred in Tiree in 1794 and 1843 ; bred abundantly there 1889 ; numerous breeding species (1898) ; scarce, only one tenth of usual strength, 1908 ; abundant, but scarcer in recent years (1913) ; abundant or numerous, May to July, 1949-52 ; becoming more common 1954 ; abundant, May to July, 1954-55. Bred in Coll in 1843 and 1899 ; plentiful there 1937-38 ; very common summer 1939 ; bred 1945-49 ; numerous mid-May 1954; common, breeding on grassland, late April 1955; abundant on machair June 1955. Bred in Gunna 1954. In Tiree (1898) few remained in winter ; "the bulk of them are gone by October" (1913) ; plentiful December 1953 ; fecks of usually less than 100 birds in mild weather, September to March, 1954-56. Sizable flocks in December 1954 were reduced to a few single birds on the shore by severe frost January and February 1955. RINGED PLOVER (Charadrius hiaticula).—Present all year. Bred in both islands before 1892. In Tiree it was numerous and bred (1898) ; bred abundantly (1913) ; bred plentifully on shore and machair 1949-55, In Coll, 10 to 15 pairs were estimated 1937 ; fair numbers there July 1939 ; bred 1945-49 ; bred 19S4 ; a few seen on shore, but none inland, late April 1955 ; only i seen in 2 days' observation June 1955. Numerous, September to April, 1954-56, especially on passage. An albino was seen in Tiree in September 1946 (J-G.). GREY PLOVER (Charadrius squatarola).—Autumn to spring. An uncommon migrant seen regularly before 1898 ; mostly single birds on the shore, but not inland, 1913 ; but a flock of 17 were seen that year in Tiree on 22nd September. Only recent records are of 2 and odd birds, January and February 1949-54, in Tiree (I.W.). No record from Coll. GOLDEN PLOVER (Charadrius apricarius).—August to May. Bred in Tiree 1865, and in Coll 1899. In Coll 2 of the southern form Ch. a. apricarius were seen in July and August 1939, but there is no more recent evidence of breeding in either island. Numerous, autumn to spring (1899); only entirely absent in June and July (1913), but "enormous crowds" in October and from March to May ; in the period 1929-55 a small trickle of migrants usually passed August to late October, when very large flocks arrived, numbers then falling till February, when only a few remained, and rising again March and April, with a few still passing in May. At peak passage during 1953-56, flocks seldom exceeded 350 birds. Annual and monthly fluctuations, 1929-55, are described in detail elsewhere (Boyd, 1956). The majority of the birds seen in spring resembled the northern type Ch. a. altifrons. Usually seen on grasslands, but a few also on the shore in hard frost. TURNSTONE (Arenaria interpres).—Present all year. No breeding record. Some remained in summer in Tiree (1898) ; a good many remained there in summer in full breeding plumage (1913) ; 20 birds seen June 1949 ; several seen late May 1952 ; 6 seen July 1952 ; about t2 present mid-May 1954 ; a VOL. LI] THE BIRDS OF TIREE AND COLL 53

few present June and July 1955. In Coll 2 or 3 were seen July 1939 ; 1 and 10 in late April 1955. A few were seen in Gunna 10th May 1954. Abundant, autumn to spring (1898) ; common in small flocks autumn and winter (1913) ; abundant September to April, 1953-56, flocks not usually exceeding 70 birds. Passage reported at Skerryvore 13th August 1898 ; a regular winter resident there 1903-06. Frequents both meadows and shore in Tiree. Systematically searches cow-pats for earthworms and beetles. SNIPE (Capella gallinago).—Present all year. Bred in both islands before 1843 ; bred plentifully in Tiree (1898 and 1913) ; numerous there, May to July, 1949-55, eggs and young seen. In Coll, common 1937-39, and nest seen 1939 ; bred 1945-49 ; common May 1954 ; thought to breed all over Coll, late April 1955; 3 seen 3rd June 1955. Abundant on passage autumn to spring since before 1892; 641 shot by 7 guns in 1 day in November 1890; 249 shot by 2 guns on 29th October 1906 ; 1,293 snot Dv 2 guns in 11 days in November J908 ; 151 and 118 shot by 1 gun in two consecutive days in November 1914 ; a total of 37,247 Common Snipe are recorded as shot in the period 1929-55 (excluding erratic shooting during 1939-45 war), an average of 1,552 per annum. In the period 1929-55 passage occurred from late August, built up to peak in late October and early November, declined thereafter till the return passage in March and April. Annual and monthly fluctuations, 1929-55, are described in detail elsewhere (Boyd, 1956). A specimen of. "Sabine's Snipe"—classified by Harvie-Brown and Buckley (1892) under the species Great Snipe (Gallinago major Gm.)—was obtained from Tiree in January 1887; a white snipe, January 1919. No information for autumn-spring is available from Coll. JACK SNIPE (Lymnocryptes minimus).—September to April. No breeding or 'summer record. Common in Tiree (1892), the average percentage of Jacks in the total snipe bag being 25%; regular, autumn and winter (1898); arrived late September, number usually erratic, percentage of the total snipe bag 10-12% (1913) ; "scarcer in recent years" (1913) ; a total of 2,355 were shot in the period 1929-55 (excluding erratic shooting during 1939-45 war), an average of 98 per annum, comprising 5.2% of the total snipe bag ; peak passage late October-early November during 1929-55. Annual and monthly fluctuations, 1929-55, are described elsewhere in detail (Boyd, 1956), Seen in Tiree early April 1954, in Coll late April 1955, and at Skerryvore 22nd October 1898. WOODCOCK (Scolopax rusticola).—October to February. No breeding record. Abundant on passage in Tiree before 1892; regular winter visitor (1898); passage late October and early November, a few appearing February, and movement from the mainland in hard frost (1913) ; though Baxter and Rintoul (J953) say that it is abundant on passage, only 388 are recorded as shot in Tiree 1929-54. An extraordinary rush appears to have taken place in January 1939, 164 birds being shot in a fortnight. None has been reported by spring observers, and no recent record is available from Coll. At Skerryvore, 2 seen 5th November 1897, and many 20th November 1898. CURLEW (Numenius arquata).—Present all year. Bred in Coll before 1899 ; a few pairs seen there June 1929 ; 8 pairs seen, believed breeding, June 1938 ; large flocks late July 1939 ; bred 1945-49 ; several seen mid-May 1954 ; odd birds on shore, flighting inland at dusk, late April 1955 ; less than 10 seen 2nd-3rd June 1955. Bred in Tiree in 1953 (J.G.), but no other positive breeding record for that island. Did not breed in Tiree (1892) ; not present in summer (1898); Anderson (19J3) says it is absent May to July, but in June 1912 a small flock was reported (N.H.) ; 1 and 2 seen June 1947 ; small parties of up to 20 birds June 1949 ; several on shore 28th May 1952, and also on heath in July ; small flocks 7th-ioth May 1954 ; a pair seen in west Tiree, 18th June 1955 ; a flock of about 100 there early July 1955, and the species was common all over Tiree in late July. Single bird seen in Gunna, 10th May 1954. On passage at Skerryvore 7th-24th August 1897. Numerous in winter since before 1892, flocks September to April, 1953-56, usually less than 100 strong. WHIMBREL (Numenius phaeopus).—April to June; August and September. No breeding record. Heard several times in Coll in early August 1939 54 BRITISH BIRDS [VOL. LI

(A.G.S.B.), and at the Sound of Gunna in August 1945 (M.H.). A pair was seen in Tiree June 1949, and a single bird on five days at same site there June 1952. In Tiree the species passed in large flocks in May before 1898, with comparatively few in autumn ; passed late April to late May, and a few scattered birds from late August to mid-September, before 1913 ; seen in Coll and Tiree, April and May, 1954-55, only in small flocks. Seen at Skerryvore in August 1903-06, and reported as a winter straggler to Tiree, January 1901-02, and December 1953. BLACK-TAILED GODWIT (Limosa limosa).—Spring and autumn. Seen rarely in spring in Tiree (1898) ; seen both spring and autumn, "in late years more frequently in autumn", never more than 3 together (1913) ; 1 pair seen mid- April 1955 ; 3 seen igth-22nd May 1956. No record from Coll. BAR-TAILED GODWIT (Limosa lapponica).—September to April. Only summer record is of a pair reported by Anderson (Baxter and Rintoul, 1953). Seen in Tiree, 29th August 1897 ; common autumn, winter and spring (1898 and 1913) ; fairly common, September and April, 1954-56, flocks not usually exceeding 12 birds ; small numbers, October to March, 1951-56, flocks not usually exceeding 8 birds. WOOD SANDPIPER (Tringa glareola).—On? seen at Vaul, Tiree, June 1950 (J.T.D.W.). COMMON SANDPIPER (Tringa hypoleucos).—May to September. Bred in Tiree before 1871, and in Coll before 1899. Present in Tiree 1912 ; bred sparingly there 1913 ; 1 pair bred at Vaul 1947 ; odd birds on shore and 2-5 pairs at fresh waters in June 1952 ; 1 pair at fresh waters July 1952 ; birds, some paired, were reported from 5 different sites in Tiree in June and July 1955. Thought to breed more plentifully in Coll than Tiree. A pair seen at fresh waters mid-May 1954, in Coll, and "tens" seen 3rd June 1955. At Skerryvore, 2 seen August 1906. Have been reported as late as 13th September 1897, but no winter records. REDSHANK (Tringa totanus).—Present all year. Bred in Coll before 1899, but first recorded breeding in Tiree in 1945 (N.McI.). In Tiree it was present in summer 1912, 1913, 1942 ; bred 1945 ; 2 heard and one seen June 1952 ; 1 seen July 1952 ; at least 3 breeding pairs June and July 1955. Present in Coll in June 1929, July 1939, August 1945, June 1946 and 1949 ; none seen nth-i4th May 1954, nor 2nd-3rd June 1955. Plentiful September to April since before 1892 ; flocks small but numerous on the shore, usually not more than 20 birds in each, and 1-6 seen frequently on the grassland, winter 1952-56. GREENSHANK (Tringa nebularia).—-Present all year. Bred in Tiree 1891, but no breeding record from Coll. Seen in Tiree, August 1897-98, June 1912, August 1954; birds seen at 3 different sites there in June and July 1955, one pair regularly. Known on passage in Tiree since 1887 ; common autumn to spring (1898) ; sparsely distributed, usually singly or paired, autumn to spring (1913); 2-4 on 4 occasions, January and February, 1949-54 ; odd birds seen ioth-nth April 1954, 25th February 1955. In Coll, 5 or 6 seen on passage in August 1939. Seen both on the shore and at fresh waters. KNOT (Calidris canutus),—August to April. One shot in Tiree September 1887 ; seen in small parties late August, and larger parties late September, with a few occurring in spring (1889 and 1913) ; 1-11 seen January and February 1954 ; seen in mixed wader flocks August and September 1954-55 ; 80-110 seen in Tiree early April 1954. No record from Coll, PURPLE SANDPIPER (Calidris maritima).—October to April. Plentiful in Tiree, November to April, since before 1892. Flocks, usually less than 30 strong, common on shore October-April 1954-55- A regular winter resident at Skerryvore 1903-06. LITTLE STINT (Calidris minuta).—Autumn. Reported on passage in Tiree since 1892 ; as many as 20 seen together (1898) ; seen on passage, but not VOL. LI] THE BIRDS OF TIREE AND COLL 55

every year (1913) ; small party seen 10th September 1954. Not reported from Coll before 1899, but many, reported there late February 1902. No recent report from Coll. DUNLIN (Calidris alpina).— Present all year. Bred in Tiree in "hundreds" before 1898; common breeder (1913); a few bred 1950; common, breeding on grasslands and moor, 1952-55. In Coll a few were breeding before 1899; a pair was thought to nest there 1937-38 ; common in summer 1945-49 ; present mid-May 1954 ; 15 seen 22nd April 1955. None seen in Coll in 2 days' observation in June 1955, and probably less common there than in Tiree where in 2 days* observation in the same month it was reported as numerous. Breeding birds are of the sub-species C. a. schinzii. More common in summer in Tiree than in winter (1898 and 1913). Common both summer and winter 1952-55,with flocks of usually not more than 30 in mid-winter. Seen feeding on machair. Many of the wintering birds are of the larger sub-species C. a. alpina. CURLEW SANDPIPER (Calidris testacea).—Seen Tiree on 23rd September 1898. SANDERLING (Crocethia alba).—Present all year. No breeding record. One shot in Tiree in June 1891 ; frequent autumn to spring (1898) j abundant, only absent in breeding season (1913) ; 42 seen 21st July 1942 ; seen on passage, flocks varying in size 2-29 on two strands, 27th May-6th June 1952 ; seen August 1954. In Coll, 9 were seen on 12th June 1902 and 17 on 15th June IQ38 ; 3 seen late July 1939 ; odd birds present late April 1955. Common on passage in Tiree since before 1898, and plentiful spring and autumn 1952-55 in flocks not usually exceeding 200 birds. Common in winter, in mixed wader flocks on strands, 1954-56. RUFF (Philomachus pugnax).—Occasional single birds in Tiree in autumn, (1898 and 1913) ; 1 seen August 1918 ; 3 males and 2 females nth September 1956 (J.M.B., W.I.B.). In Coll, 1 seen on 16th September 1905. GREY PHALAROPB (Phalaropus fulicarius).—One shot in Tiree, September 1886, and another seen on the sea, November 1890. No other record. RED-NBCKED PHALAROPE (Phalaropus lobatus).—Summer. First bred in Tiree in 1902 ; a few pairs bred regularly (1913); Tiree quoted as a breeding- station by Fisher (1947) and Witherby et al. (1938) ; a few pairs have bred in recent years. ARCTIC SKUA (Stercorarius parasiticus).—May to August. Bred in Coll before 1898 ; 2 colonies there, with about 5 pairs in each, 1937-38 ; about 15 pairs with young in August 1939 ; 12 pairs August 1945 ; 4 pairs June 1949 ; 30-40 present in early June 1955 (A.A.K.W.); recent increase, 1956 (W.P.C.-F.). A pair bred in Tiree in 1891, and it has been seen there in summer without a breeding record (1898), 1912, 1913, on moor 1948, 1952, 1954, 1955. Sometimes seen in winter off Tiree. GREAT SKUA (Stercorarius skua).—Reported off Tiree mid-January 1902, mid- April 1937, August 1951, July 1952. No sign of breeding. GREAT BLACK-BACKED GULL (Larus marinus).—Present all year. Not thought to breed in Tiree (1898) ; not breeding in Tiree, but breeding proved in Gunna (1913) ; 1 nest on an off-shore islet, and 2 nests in Gunna, June 1949 ; odd birds, and present in mixed gull flock, June 1952 ; 1 pair "seen on off-shore islet July 1952 ; a nest has been found in recent years at Ceann a' Mhara (N.McI.) ; present in Gunna 10th May 1954, but no nest found ; present in mixed gull flocks June and July 1954-55. In Colt, bred in fair numbers 1939 (A.G.S.B.) ; frequently seen summer 1945-46, and 1949 ; present May 1954 i present, scattered all over, late April 1955 ; less than 10 seen June 1955. Present in Tiree from September to March, both on shore and inland, but usually no more than 4 seen together. LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL (Larus fuscus).—April to October. Bred in both islands before 1899 ; bred sparingly in Tiree (1913) ; nesting Ceann a' Mhara, 56 BRITISH BIRDS [VOL. LI

and a slightly smaller colony in Gurtna, June 1949 ; several pairs among Herring Gulls, Ceann a' Mhara, July 1952; present in Gunna, but no eggs seen, May 1954 ; several pairs seen, but no eggs or young, June 1955- Present in mixed gull flocks on mackair and strands in Tiree July 1952 and 1955. Bred in Coll, Gunna and Soa, 1937-39 ; during 1945-49 a colony present south of Arinagour (about 30 birds, including 13 young, August 1945) ; several hundred gulls, including some of this species, in flight over the Eiiein Mot rocks while native egg-collectors were ashore, and present also south of Arinagour, mid-May 1954 ; scarce in late April 1955 ; breeding colony of several hundred pairs on level moor north of Arinagour in June 1955. Anderson (1898 and 1913) said this species was "resident", but no winter record is available, and doubt is cast on this statement (Editors, Scot. Nat., 1913). HERRING GULL (Larus argentatus).—Present all year. Bred in Tiree and Coll before 1899. Nesting Ceann a' Mhara 1912, 1913; "Order 3" colony (100-1,000 pairs), with a large number of young, July 1942 ; breeding Ceann a' Mhara and Gunna 1949 and mid-May 1954 ; breeding in fair numbers 1952 ; 100-150 nests (including Lesser Black-backed Gull) at Ceann a' Mhara in June 1955. Bred in Coll 1937-39, 1945-49 ; colony of several hundred birds (see Lesser Black-backed Gull) over Eiiein Mor rocks mid-May 1954 ; commonest gull on Coll late April 1955 ; 10-100 seen 2nd-3rd June 1955. Predominant in mixed gull flocks in Tiree in July 1952 and 1955. Present (always more than 6) all year at Skerryvore, 1906, Common, September- April. COMMON GULL (Larus canus).—Present all year. Bred in Tiree before 1892, and summer observers in 1898, 1912, 1913, 1949, 1952, 1954-55 all report it as a common breeder both on the upper shore and inland. Bred in Coll before 1899 and during 1937-39 ; a colony south of Loch an Duin with 16 nests June 1946, and 8 nests June 1949 ; present mid-May 1954 ; surprisingly few seen, only 1 or 2 parties of 20-30 birds on cultivated ground, late April 1955 ; none seen 2nd-3rd June 1955. None seen in Gunna June 1949, but present on shore rocks 10th May 1954. Flocks at fresh water lochs March and April, and again on machair and shore July and August. Common on shore September to February, usually less than 10 birds together. GLAUCOUS GULL (Larus hyperboreus).—-Winter. Single birds seen regularly in winter about 1913 and at Skerryvore, where 1 was seen as late as 3rd April 1904, and where birds were also seen January and February 1889, and March 1897. Seen in Tiree mid-winter 1949-50. ICELAND GULL (Larus glaucoides).—1 seen mid-winter 1949-50 (J.T.D.W.). LITTLE GULL (Larus minutus).—Seen at Skerryvore 24th September 1903. BLACK-HEADED GULL (Larus ridibundus).—Present all year. First breeding record from Tiree was of 1 pair in 1889 ; another pair 1891 ; a few pairs 1898 ; increased, breeding at several places, by 1913 ; many seen, but only 1 nest, June 1949 ; 1 or 2 small breeding colonies June 1952 ; colony of about 12 pairs sharing islet in Loch Bhasapol with Common Terns in June and July 1952 ; 3 sites, with usually less than 30 pairs at each, June,and July 1954-55. Bred in Coll occasionally before 1899 ; 2 colonies of 6 and 7 pairs in 1937-38 ; young seen 1939; not noted breeding since, but present in small numbers April to June 1954-55. Common in winter, not usually more than 10 birds together. SABINE'S GULL (Xema sabini}.—Seen at Skerryvore in January 1905 and November 1907. KITTIWAKE (Rissa tridactyla),—Present all year. Bred in Tiree at Ceann a* Mhara before 1891, when about 300 pairs nested; bred there (1898 and 1913); 258 pairs present July 1942 (J.F.) ; 200 pairs nesting, but about 300 pairs present, June 1949 (W.C.T.) ; 425 birds present June 1952 (H.A.C.) ; 438 birds counted July 1955 (J.M.B.). No breeding record from Coll. Present all year at Skerryvore ; most numerous August 1903-06. (To be concluded) PLATE 18

R.A.F. Official, Crown Copyright Reserved VERTICAL VIKW OE ARINAGOUR, ISLE OF COLL, INNER HEBRTDES: APRIL 1948 For location see right-centre of Fig. 2 on page 43. Apart from the township (on the left of the estuary), this illustrates cultivated areas, moorland, saltings and fresh-water lochs (see list of ecological divisions on page 41). The last-named provide breeding-sites for a few pairs of Red-throated Divers (Gavia stellata) (see page 45). PLATE 19

R.A.F. Official, Crown Copyright Reserved VERTICAL VIEW OF BKEACIIACIIA, ISLE OK COLL, INNER HEBRIDES: APRIL 1946 For location see lower part of Fig. 2 on page 43. Here one can see beaches, dunes (peppered with white spots), moorland and lochs. The white spots on the dunes are rabbit warrens and the Buzzards (Buteo buteo) hunt here (see page 50). Note the maze of ditches which provide a haven for great numbers of Snipe (Capella gallinago) (see page 53). PLATE 20

R.A.F. Official, Grown Copyright Reserved VERTICAL VIEW OF SCARINISII AND GOTT, TIREE, INNER HEBRIDES: APRIL 1048 For location see right of Fig. 3 on page 44. This shows shell-sand beaches, machair or sea-meadow, cultivation and crofts, and moorland with fresh waters; the white patches are cultivated machair soil unlimed. Note that there are no rabbit warrens (cf plate 19): rabbits have not been present on Tiree for at least 100 years (see page 50)